Biddy McGraw's

09/29/09

come on, guy!

by dub213

I think it's a shame that the most recent review for this place is negatively charged by someone who has obviously never been there. Had you taken the time to even look over the menu before you posted your review, you would have noticed a few things like, for example, colcannon AND brown soda bread.

Yes, they pour Guinness properly.

Yes, there is live Irish music every Sunday.

As far as people in Ireland having money now...good for them! Some people prefer an "old world" kind of pub.

Next time you write a review base it on YOUR experiences, not on other people's comments.

• Pros: good food, good beer, good atmosphere
• Cons: parking

08/05/09

Irish Pub?

by Desertman

Having read the comments and never having visited, it seems like a fairly standard Americanised 'take' on an Irish Pub.

For a start off, where in Ireland do they have Mexican food in the pub? Is there actually any Irish food at Biddy McGraw's? I didn't see any comments about an Irish breakfast, lamb stew, colcannon, boiled bacon and cabbage (not corned beef and cabbage - hardly anyone in Ireland has ever heard of this) or soda bread or Barm brack or anything that might indicate that there is actually some Irish food on offer.

How is the Guinness at Biddy's? Do they pour the glass in stages, letting it settle for some minutes between pours? Is there a line of half poured Guinnesses sitting on the bar waiting to be finished?

No-one really discussed the music - what of it, is there any live Irish music?

Is there a drop of real Irish tea on hand to have with the soda bread?

The attitude of the staff seems to vary? I can't say that that isn't the same as in Ireland. It's probably the same all over the world.

The old world feel described, with battered wood and hard floors has given way in Ireland to a more modern, more comfortable feel in a pub. Over the last 50 years, people in Ireland have gotten a bit of money to do their establishments up. They've largely tried to move with the times.

Anyway, hope that helps.

01/12/09

Great Bar, Buzzkill Bartender

by bigbpdx

Biddy's is the neighborhood bar for me, so I've been in there a few times. I'm no connoisseur, but the Reuben was delicious, as well as their garlicky, homemade, fresh salsa. They have a good draft beer selection including Guinness, Bass, Newcastle, and some Oregon favorites. The atmosphere is dark and mellow, with darts, video games, and lots of seating. It's a fantastic place to sit and have a Jameson if you aren't looking for a Portland hipster situation.

My only problem with Biddy's is that downer vampire of a female bartender (I've only seen two, one female and one male) who leeches the lifeblood out of everything surrounding her. She belongs to the small minority of service industry workers who think they are doing you a huge favor by doing their jobs and accepting your tips. Excuse me for, god forbid, interrupting your Scrabble game and ordering another drink. When it was time to cover our $38 dollar tab, I begrudgingly forked over $44 dollars even though I was tempted to leave a crummier tip but couldn't as I am a server as well. She snatched the money out of my hand (including her tip), abruptly swung around and walked away. No, "have a good night", "thanks for coming in" , or simply "thanks (for that money that you just gave me which you were not required to give me and which I did not deserve)". Nothing. And no, I am not belligerent, obnoxious, rude, creepy, or any other quality that might understandingly annoy a bartender. When a customer at my job asks me for something, I try not to act like I am doing them a huge favor because I realize that they are actually doing me a favor by eating in my restaurant and, most likely, leaving me a tip. If you hate customer service, maybe you should get a job doing construction. From now on, when I have an urge to go to Biddy's, I'll call ahead and make sure that the male bartender is working. He has always treated me like decent human beings treat decent human beings. Maybe she should take notes.

• Pros: Chill Little Irish Neighborhood Bar
• Cons: Ice Cold Bartender